Portrait photographer Stacey Norling sees her job as more than just capturing images. It’s about capturing people’s psychology.

Norling, who has been shooting all kinds of portraits – from senior-class pictures to maternity – for the past five years, says photographs should reflect who people are, not just what they look like.

“For me, (photography) is just a really good way to capture people on all sorts of levels: the psychology of people,” said Norling, who lives in Weymouth. “What I try to do is really connect with people. That’s how I bring out people’s natural selves.”

Norling considers connecting with her clients an essential aspect of her business, and something she enjoys. She’s interested in making clients feel comfortable and catering to their preferences while creating photos with a clean, natural aesthetic.

Norling grew up spending hours taking shots of her pets and inanimate objects and later, her children, but she didn’t always consider it a career choice.

“I have always been an artistic person, always felt more comfortable doing creative things,” said Norling, who grew up in Randolph. “But when I was hired to photograph a friend’s baby, I felt something clicked for me. I said, ‘Yeah, this is what I need to do with my life.’”

Nowadays, Norling is more than just “a mom with a camera.” After taking photography and editing classes, many online, Norling started a website five years ago.

Through word of mouth, her work has become well-known on the South Shore, and is displayed in many local businesses.

“I get to create people’s memories and have people look back on a good time in their lives,” Norling said.

Norling also does work for a children’s cancer charity and a canine adoption group.

“I feel like it’s really important to give back,” she said.

Doing shoots with children and animals has helped Norling learn that, with a little flexibility and patience, she can make portrait sessions enjoyable for her subjects.

Norling’s family portraits cost $175 for families of up to four people, with higher fees for larger groups. Fees for senior portraits are $200.

As her business matures, Norling said she hopes to continue following clients’ milestones, from birth to childhood to graduation and beyond. She also hopes to open her own studio.

For now, Norling is focused on continuing and perfecting her lifelong passion.

“I do what I love. This is what makes me happy and other people happy.”